Management Profile
Matthew W. Stewart, General Manager
Matthew started his HVAC career over 30 years ago and is a second generation HVAC owner. As the youngest of seven children, he followed in his father’s footsteps. He started as a ductwork fabricator, followed by becoming an installation technician, and then graduated to service responsibilities. He entered service management with Walker Oil Company in 1989, and while working at the oil company obtained his master HVAC license in the state of Maryland. He purchased the installation department from Walker Oil Company in 1997 and formed Advanced Comfort Systems. He later sold out in January 2003 to relocate to Hickory, NC. He opened the doors to 72 Degrees in 2004 with the mission statement, “To provide our customers world class customer service and our team members an environment for success.” Since then he has grown the company from 3 team members to more than 25 full time team members. He currently holds all North Carolina HVAC licenses (H1, H2, and H3) and a Maryland Master HVAC License. He has attended multiple business training classes taught by Service Excellence Training in Kyle, TX and Success Academy in St. Louis, MO.
Alice Stewart, Administrative Manager
Alice Stewart is not only the Administrative Manager, but also an owner of 72 Degrees. Alice was raised in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster County, PA. She has worked in HVAC administration for ten years. In addition to her full time job with 72 Degrees, she also spends as much time as possible taking care of her children and family. She won the Gold medal in the customer care Olympics and was also voted one of the top customer care representatives in AirTime500 in 2005. She has a passion for what she does and enjoys using every day as a ministry opportunity to clients and employees alike.
Matthew J. Stewart, Operations Manager
Matt is a third generation HVAC specialist. Matt has a remarkable understanding of our customers and employees alike. He oversees the service and installation department and strives to help our team provide world-class customer service on a daily basis. He has been involved with the company since childhood and plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and one day take over as President. Matt has attended multiple Service Excellence Training and Success Academy training classes, is a graduate from the Quality Technical Training Center in Orlando, FL, is EPA certified in refrigeration, and received a North Carolina H3 license when he was 20 years old.
Leslie Kerlick, Office Manager
Leslie was selected to join the 72 Degrees team in 2007 for her loving spirit and accounting background. She is the office manager and primary dispatcher. She enjoys making sure every client gets the absolute quickest and best service possible! She has received customer care training through the Success Academy in St. Louis, MO. Leslie is also active in the children's ministry at Winkler's Grove Baptist Church.
Amanda Burns, Customer Care Representative
Amanda began working at 72 Degrees in February 2011. She makes our customer service process as effortless as possible and helps our clients with anything else they may need.
Jordan Wiseman, Customer Care Representative
Jordan’s sweet, quiet spirit fits perfectly into the 72 Degrees office. She assists the rest of the office staff when needed.
Derik Wolfe, Technical Service Director
Derik began his career with our company four years ago and has been trained from the “ground up”. Derik offers each of our clients the best service around and does it with a smile. Derik is a graduate of Quality Training Center in Orlando, FL. He has also attended Power Performing Technician training in St. Louis, MO, is EPA and refrigerant certified, has attended countless factory training seminars, and is furnace inspector certified. Derik has also received the Technician Seal of Safety.
Mike Thomson, Senior Service Technician
Mike could easily be described as one of the friendliest members of our staff. He is responsible for purchasing the equipment and material Team 72 Degrees requires as well as satisfying our clients need to stay comfortable. He performs this responsibility day in and day out with a smile on his face the whole time! Mike has been with 72 Degrees since 2007, he loves his job and Team 72 loves Mike!
Matt Lail, Installation Field Foreman
Matt has been in the air conditioning and heating industry for more than ten years. Matt began as an installation helper, progressed to become a master installer and is now the Team 72 field foreman. Matt is ever-ready to work as hard as necessary to take care of our team and more importantly our clients. He resides in Morganton with his wife and two children and enjoys riding motorcycles, fishing and hunting in his free time.
Drew Hendershot, Lead Installation Specialist
Drew's kind demeanor has a way of putting everyone he comes in contact with at ease. He is EPA certified in refrigerant, and has received the Technician Seal of Safety. Drew provides quality new installations for the clients of 72 Degrees.
Daniel Palma, Installation Assistant
Daniel has been a Team 72 member since 2007 and is one of the hardest workers we have! He immigrated from Cuba and has a degree in interior design and small appliance repair. He spends his time here ensuring all of our installations go smoothly. Daniel is known for his sense of humor, hard work ethics and the fact that he never stands still! Daniel is always looking at ways to make everyone’s job easier and that makes him an installation team favorite!
Robert McKinney, Senior Service Technician
Robert joined Team 72 in 2010 and brought with him more than 20 years of experience. Clients trust Robert and request him over and over after they experience his quality service. He is a national leader on the Airtime 500 scoreboard but still conducts business as a southern gentleman.
